Members of Parliament from both the National Assembly and the Senate have appointed officials to lead the Parliamentary Caucus on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) to advocate for sustainable domestic immunization funding.

During a meeting with the Health NGOs Network (HENNET) and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator on March 12, 2026, Hon. Kimani Kuria (Molo MP) was elected as the Chairperson. Hon. Irene Mayaka and Senator Consolata Wakwabubi, both nominated MPs, were elected as Co-Chairs, while Hon. Dorice Donya (Kisii County MP) and Hon. Jackson Kosgei (nominated) were chosen as the Whips.

The elected leaders will provide strategic direction for the caucus, champion effective legislation, sustainable domestic financing, parliamentary oversight, and multi-sectoral collaboration in support of a resilient, integrated maternal, newborn, and child health system anchored in strong primary healthcare.

The formation of the Parliamentary Caucus follows the Istanbul Call to Action, which brought together Parliamentarians from 10 countries, with Kenya represented by Hon. Dr. James Nyikal (Seme) and Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose (Endebess).

With declining donor support for immunization financing, Kenya is expected to fully transition out of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) support in 2029, creating an urgent need for sufficient domestic resources to maintain vaccine coverage.

Speaking at the meeting, HENNET Executive Director, Dr. Margaret Lubaale, emphasized the crucial role of MPs in budget allocations and legislative frameworks, noting that sustainable immunization financing is vital for national development, economic stability, and social justice.

Your role is central in this journey. Parliament holds the unique responsibility of ensuring that national priorities are reflected in budget allocations, legislative frameworks, and oversight mechanisms," Dr.. Lubaale said.

Additionally, Dr. Lubaale praised the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Treasury and National Planning for fulfilling 62 percent of the country’s Gavi co-financing requirement.

Caucus Chairperson Hon. Kimani Kuria highlighted the need to boost immunization funding by engaging key Parliamentary Committees.

We need our voices to be heard in the right place. We must involve the Health and Budget & Appropriations Committees to determine how much was allocated during the 2026 Budget Policy Statement, which anchors the FY 2026/27 Budget," Hon. Kuria said.

He further stressed the importance of strengthening domestic immunization financing.

We should not depend on someone far away to handle taxes and vaccinate our children," he added.

In her acceptance speech, Hon. Irene Mayaka thanked her fellow legislators for electing her as Co-Chairperson of the Caucus and called for teamwork and support to advance the Caucus agenda.

I want to assure the Legislators that I will do my best to push discussions with other MPs and even in the Liaison Committee. Let us remember that we do not have much time left in the 13th Parliament and make the most of the 2026/27 Budget cycle to resolve this issue," Hon. Mayaka said.

Members present include: Hon. Esther Passaris (Nairobi County), Hon. Fatuma Masito (Kwale County MP), Senator Consolata Wakwabubi (nominated), Hon. Kimani Kuria (Molo MP), Hon. Donya Dorice (Kisii County MP), Hon. Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira County MP), Senator Beatrice Ogola (nominated), Hon. Irene Mayaka (nominated) and Senator Hezena M. Lemaletian (nominated).